Cu Huy Ha Vu’s Appeal

One of Vietnam’s most prominent dissidents, Cu Huy Ha Vu, was in court yesterday for his appeal trial. Once again, Mr. Ha Vu courageously reverberated his support for a multiparty state, despite persecution from the ruling Communist Party. According to the New York Times, Mr. Ha Vu asked that the court dismiss his current case. Ha Vu stated that his main objective was not to go against the Party. Instead, Mr. Ha Vu wanted to promote multiparty democracy for Vietnam, so that healthy competition between parties can help to benefit the nation.

Though this is a perfectly viable argument, the Vietnamese government does not tolerate any opposition to their one-party rule. Therefore, it does not look good for Mr. Ha Vu’s case. The Communist government will likely continue to persecute Cu Huy Ha Vu, persisting that he was breaking the law in some way, using incoherent and often fabricated evidence to support their claims. Many of Cu Huy Ha Vu’s supporters held signs and banners outside the courtroom, showing that they are behind Mr. Ha Vu in his fight for political reform.

The democracy movement in Vietnam might not be very strong right now, but there are many courageous and intelligent people waiting for their chance to lead this fight for freedom. Cu Huy Ha Vu is a prime example of what we’re capable of when we find a cause worth fighting for. Though the government tries to shut him down with all their might, it is clear that many people are on his side. In order to rebuild the country, the people of Vietnam need to be free. It is only a matter of time before this dream is realized.